Ernesto Valverde’s return to Athletic Bilbao for a third spell in charge seems to have roused Los Leones and they can boost their Champions League hopes against Osasuna on Monday.
Villarreal’s shock win over Real Madrid means Bilbao have slipped to sixth in La Liga, but with Atletico Madrid facing Barcelona on Sunday, they could have a chance to move up to fourth by beating Jagoba Arrasate’s men.
Osasuna themselves could leapfrog Valverde’s side with a victory, but lost their last La Liga game to another of their Basque rivals, Real Sociedad.
They have won just once away at Los Leones since 2007 and may again have their work cut out on Monday.
Athletic Bilbao vs Osasuna Betting Tips
Team news
Both Inigo Martinez and Ander Capa face late fitness tests for Bilbao due to their respective muscular injuries, but Ander Herrera is available again following a hamstring problem.
Valverde rotated for Thursday’s 6-1 Copa del Rey win over Eldense and Gorka Guruzeta, Dani Garcia, Inaki Williams, Oscar de Marcos and Unai Simon are among those set to return.
Osasuna will be without Unai Garcia due to suspension, while Nacho Vidal is also rated as a doubt with a hamstring injury.
Los Rojillos also rotated for their 2-1 AET Copa del Rey win at Gimnastic Tarragona and Aimar Oroz, Moi Gomez and Juan Cruz all look set to return.
Athletic Bilbao to win to nil @ 8/5
Los Leones’ home form has been the cornerstone of their success this season, winning five of their eight games.
They have also kept a quintet of clean sheets, including in their last two home league matches, a 1-0 win over Villarreal and a 3-0 victory against Real Valladolid.
Bilbao also kept Real Betis at bay in their last La Liga game on December 29th, a 0-0 draw, and will fancy themselves to frustrate Osasuna.
The Pamplonans failed to score at Sociedad and needed extra-time to overcome third-tier Gimnastic Tarragona in the Copa del Rey on Thursday.
They are the second-lowest scorers in the top half of the table and may find chances hard to come by at San Mames.
Gorka Guruzeta anytime goalscorer @ 11/8
Guruzeta’s path to the top has been a long one, but the 26-year-old is making the most of his second chance with Athletic.
Born in San Sebastian, he came through Bilbao’s academy but failed to score in six first-team appearances before going on to have spells at Sabadell and Amorebieta.
He left the latter last summer after his 13 goals proved not enough to save them from relegation, signing a two-year deal with Los Leones.
Guruzeta has since netted five times in eight La Liga appearances, including three in as many outings in the league.
After being rested and only playing the final 22 minutes as a substitute against Eldense on Thursday, he should start here and may well prove a thorn in Osasuna’s side.
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